My Family

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Coming from a large family I am no stranger to chaos. I am one of seven children, and 6 are still living. My father is the oldest of 10 kids, and my mother is the middle of three. My father owned an electrical business in Cedar Rapids and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. Growing up in a large family meant that I was never alone, but there were always hiding spots if I needed a moment to myself. 

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We were raised in a house that my grandfather built in 1955, and my parents acquired in 1983. There were just enough rooms for all of us to fit. At a young age I shared a bedroom with my older sister. As the years went on I was able to secure my own room when the older kids went off to college and life outside our childhood home. Slowly, but surely, I was left with my baby brother to wander the halls as the house became quiet. Only until we had everyone over for Sunday dinner. If you know how a tornado works, then you may have an idea of how these Sunday dinners go. There is a certain calm before the storm. Everyone gearing up for the mess and noise to take place. Some are standing in the driveway looking up at the clouds preparing for the big show. Some are hunkering down and expecting the worst. When it starts, there's a lot of movement, people coming and going, snacking on food, enjoying conversations and laughter, grand babies giving hugs then running to the play room (never to be heard from until food is served), and the house is full again. That is when I sit back and just smile at the world my parents created.

 

Of course, there is more under the surface, but I really enjoy this time. This is my calm. Chaos equals serene.